Bulls at Warriors gamethread: Durant and Green out

In the Steve Kerr era, the Golden State Warriors have had a strong history of bouncing back from losses in a big way. So after Wednesday’s disappointing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, it’s fair to expect the Dubs to feast on a young, inexperienced, and flat-out bad Chicago Bulls team.

However, they’ll have to do so shorthanded, as Kevin Durant is missing a game for the second time this week due to an ankle injury. Joining him on the inactive list is Draymond Green, who is getting the game off due to rest.

If you’re keeping track at home, that leaves the Warriors with 12 active players on the roster. To get to the maximum of 13, they’ve called up Quinn Cook from the G-League Santa Cruz Warriors. Cook, who is on a two-way contract, will serve as some bench depth while the team is shorthanded.

It will be curious to see if there are any repercussions for resting Green. Commissioner Adam Silver has the discretion to fine teams for resting star players on nationally televised games, a new power that he’s yet to use. While this game isn’t on ESPN or TNT, it is on NBA TV, and that may qualify in the commissioner’s eyes.

Only time will tell. Until then . . . let’s go Warriors!